During the First World War, various units and corps of the Canadian
Expeditionary Force painted their helmets with unit or corps insignia.
This was done both with the early Brodie patter helmet as well as later issues.
In some cases, regimental cap badges were affixed to helmets. The photos to the
right show an example of a Great War helmet with the 1894 badge of The Royal
Canadian Regiment. Also are links to studio photos of RCR officers wearing
similar helmets.

Photos found in the archives of The RCR Museum, linked at right, show some
officers, including Victoria Cross winner Milton F. Gregg, wearing such helmets.

It appears that these were in use by officers, although the lack of photos
showing them in use by NCOs or soldiers does not necessarily mean their use was
restricted to officers of the Regiment. Notably, the badge seen on the
helmet pictured at right (held in a private collection) is using the
1894 Guelphic crown badge rather
than the 'official' GvR pattern badge
of the Great War period.